List, I have been experimenting with the couplers in the duplex section and find for the most part, satisfying results. There have been a few instances where they did not work but these were on older strings. One problem I had with installing in the duplex is finding the right type of pliers. Using a standard parallel pliers does not work well for squeezing the couplers in the front duplex. The strings in the front duplex can be close together. You can space all the strings further apart but sometimes this does not seem like a good option. I found a nifty set of pliers from a jewelers tool catalog that work fairly well for duplex installations. The pliers most likely will work well in the speaking length installations but I have not tried it yet. Go to this link to have a look: http://www.grobetusa.com/ProductDescriptions/stoneremovalpliers.html I ground down the outside portion of the tips a bit to allow for better clearance in between the strings. You can also get some nice flat nose pliers from this company for use in installation of the couplers. I'm not sure if Gorbet sells directly or through jewelry repair shops. You can check your local jewelry repair shop for the catalog and order locally. If you have problems in finding an outlet for the tools you can call Cris Tool & Finding Co. here in Ithaca. The number is 888-690-2747. Don
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